Cellular construction, in particular supporting or sound insulating construction capable of being greened, and process for producing the same

ABSTRACT

A cellular structure, in particular a supporting or sound insulation structure plantable with greenery, one with earth, rock, or bulk material filling (Ed), arranged in particular as cells (Z) in layers, the cells being bounded at least in part by flat flexible, liquid-permeable, and corrosion-resistant material (F), in particular material in the form of netting or a grating, and having at least one dimensionally stable frontal element (FG) also in the form of netting or a grating which is connected to tension bracing (ZA) extending into the cell filling and to support bracing (ZV) ensuring the assigned frontal surface inclination and frontal surface position of the structure, the support bracing (ZV) for the individual front elements having at least one elongated bracing element (AS) which on one side is connected to a front element (FG) and on the other extends into the area of the filler.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE INVENTION

In every area of a support bracing (ZV) between the point of connection(K1) of the tension bracing flat material (F) to the support bracing(ZV) on one side and the point of connection (K2) to the front element(FG) on the other side, tension force transmission is provided more orless only by the flat material (F).

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to a cellular structure, in particular asupporting or sound insulation structure plantable with greenery, onefilled with earth, rock, or bulk material, arranged in particular ascells in layers, the cells being bounded at least in part by flatflexible, liquid-permeable, and corrosion-resistant material, inparticular material in the form of netting or grating, and having atleast one dimensionally stable, frontal element in the form of nettingor a grating which is connected to tension bracing extending into thecell filling and to support bracing ensuring the assigned frontalsurface inclination and frontal surface position of the structure, thesupport bracing having at least one elongated bracing element which onone side is connected to a frontal element and on the other extends intothe area of the filler material. The subject of the invention alsoincludes prefabricated components or subassemblies and a process formanufacturing structures or components or subassemblies.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

A structure of the type described by way of introduction is known fromEP-A-0574233 A1. In this instance the support bracing consists asinstalled of closed triangular frameworks, each of the rod elementsmaking up this framework being mounted on the bottom of the cell and itsfront end being connected to the bottom edge of a corresponding frontalelement and its rear end to the flexible flat material of the tensionbracing. The result is that the load on the front section of this flatmaterial is relieved by coupling in parallel of the frame rod of thetension bracing on the bottom, which is more rigid under tension and canparticipate only to a lesser extent in the transmission of tensileforce. Another consequence is concentration of tensile forcetransmission on the bottom edge of the front element on the point ofconnection with the triangular frame present there. This means increasedlocal stress and the possibility of undesirable deformation of thematerial of the front elements, which material is generally latticed andconsequently less resistant to bending.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is accordingly creation of a cellularstructure of the type indicated in the foregoing which is characterizedby improved strength and stability of shape, as well as by reducedmaterial and manufacturing costs. Attainment of the goal claimed for theinvention is determined by the totality of the features presenting inclaim 1. These features allow largely uniform load distribution in thearea of the bottom edge of the front element, both inside the flatmaterial of the tension bracing itself and in the material of the frontelement, it being possible to optimize the tensile strength of this flatmaterial by suitable design, in particular that of a grating or netting,adapted to the particular load application relationships and by properchoice of materials.

DRAWINGS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a perspective partial view of a bracing insulationstructure.

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of one part of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of another part of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a top stage of a cellular structure.

FIG. 5 shows a

FIG. 6 shows a structure with stack cells.

FIG. 7 shows a trestle SB1 in the form of a triangular rod structure.

FIG. 8 shows a development of a trestle SB2.

FIG. 9 shows bracing elements AS1, AS2 with two angular hook-shapedsections H8 and H9.

FIG. 10 shows a simplified top view of FIG. 9.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show the front grating elements FG, with overlappingupper and lower edges of two stacked cells Z.

FIG. 13 shows a prefabricated, liquid-permeable and flexible, flatmaterial element for the front of a cellular structure.

An essential and especially advantageous development of this solution isdetermined by the features of claim 2. They permit in particularsufficiently uniform support and load distribution even in the centraland upper areas of the front element elevation, in which connection ofadditional tension bracing flat material is generally undesirable forreasons of cost. Support bracing such as this with rod-shaped bracingelements on the rear end connected only to flat tension bracing materialsituated on the bottom of the cell introduces the supporting forcesapplied to the connection with the front element into the tensionbracing where the flat material of the latter has a strong tensionalconnection with the load-applying backfill, so that load concentrationsmay be kept small in this instance as well. Structural features such asthese claimed for the invention are also characterized by simplicity ofdesign and favorable material and manufacturing costs.

An especially important and advantageous development of the invention isdetermined by the features described in claims 18 and 19. They result ina structure of the connection to tension bracing which is advantageouslysimple and is cost effective as well as optimum from the viewpoint ofload distribution.

Other features and advantages of the invention are explained in whatfollows with reference to the embodiments illustrated diagrammaticallyin the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective partial view of a bracing or sound insulationstructure designed as a cellular structure filled with earth, rock, orbulk material which is arranged in cells Z. The cells are bounded moreor less by flexible and liquid-permeable flat netting or latticedmaterial F of tension bracing ZA and by a dimensionally relativelystable latticed front element FG or several such elements. This flatmaterial is connected in area K2 to the bottom edge of the front elementand extends along the bottom of the cell rearward into filler materialEG. In addition, a support bracing ZV ensuring the assigned frontalinclination and frontal position of the front elements is provided; thissupport bracing has for the individual front elements at least oneelongated bracing element AS which on one side is connected to a frontelement FG and on the other extends into the area of the filler.

In the example illustrated the bracing elements are in the form ofindividual rods with means on the end for connection to the frontelement (FG) or to the tension bracing (ZA). They have at least onesection in the form of a hook or an eye which may be suspended bypositive locking in a latticed front element or a force transmissionelement, preferably on both end sections. Two suspendable hook-shaped oreye-shaped sections twisted around a rod axis to be at an angle of atleast approximately 90° relative to each other are especiallyadvantageous.

A significant development of the invention provides that at least onetransmission element (UE) with a plurality of projections and recessesor indentations or gaps and prominences facing the flat material forcompleting positive locking is provided for a positive lockingconnection between a rod-shaped element (AS, AS1, AG1, AG2) of thesupport bracing (ZV) and the flat material (F) of the tension bracing(ZA). For this purpose consideration is to be given preferably todimensionally stable grating, in particular a section of a structuralsteel or geo-grating or a suitable perforated plate.

In the example shown in FIG. 1 provision is made for the connectionbetween tension bracing and front element such that the frontal area ofthe flat material extends over the lower edge of the front element (FG)and this lower edge has projections which extend through the flatmaterial (F) and transmit the tensile forces of the flat material. Inparticular it has been found to be advantageous in this instance for thefront elements (FG) of at least two stacked cells (Z) to be mounted sothat their upper and lower edges overlap. The configuration is such thatprojecting lattice rod ends of every upper latticed front element gripthe rear area of the front element mounted below the former in the areaof its upper edge and penetrate any flat material (F) present there.

FIGS. 2 and 3 present an enlargement of the structural details of thepreceding example.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the top stage of a cellular structureof the type described in the foregoing when completed, in the form of arear view of an elongated front element FG with adjoining cell bottom.The following essential features of the development of the invention areto be noted:

Each front element (FG) has associated with it a plurality of rod-shapedsupport bracing elements which are connected only to the flat material(F) of the tension bracing (ZA) and the front element (FG), at differentelevation and/or azimuth angles relative to the base plane of the cellor the frontal plane of the wall. A configuration of the support bracingelements differing from the backfill of the wall to the front of thewall has proved to be advantageous in many instances. A significantdevelopment of the support bracing (ZV1) illustrated here comprises aplurality of rod-shaped or angular bracing elements with a commontransmission element (UE). This contributes both to optimum stabilityand to cost reduction. A latticed transmission element (UE) with more orless square or rectangular lattice openings to which the rod-shapedsupport bracing elements in the corner area of a grating opening areconnected is also provided.

The example also illustrates as an essential feature a support bracingwith a multiple-arm angle brace (WS1) which consists of two rod-shapedbrace elements AG1 positioned at an angle to each other and connected tothe front element (FG) of connected brace elements AG1 in the area ofthe point (S) of an angle. These brace elements are connected in thearea of their free ends only to the flat material (F) of the tensionbracing (ZA). Also present is a multiple-arm angle brace (WS2) whichconsists of two rod-shaped brace elements mounted at an angle to eachother and connected to a front element (FG) in the area of the point (S)of the angle, of which a first brace element (AG1) is connected in thearea of its free end only to the flat material (F) of the tensionbracing (ZA), opposite which a second brace element (AG2) extends alongthe front element. There is another alternative, a multiple-arm anglebrace (WS3), again with two rod-shaped brace elements (AG1) mounted atan angle to each other and connected in the area of the point (S) of theangle to the flat material (F) of the tension bracing (ZA), whichelements (AG1) are connected on the other side to the front element (FG)a certain distance from the bottom edge of the latter, especially in thecentral to upper area of the front element elevation. These embodimentspermit optimization of various aspects of the bracing effect, atsignificantly low cost. In particular, use may be made optionally oftrestles for the front elements in assembly, ones which have at leastthree rod elements connected to each other preferably in one piece, inthe form of a three-dimensional tripod or multiped.

In order to rationalize manufacture of the structures it may beimportant to introduce greenery elements (BE) for the front of thecellular structure, ones prepared in advance outside the constructionsite or also in situ. An element such as this, as illustrated in FIG. 2and shown in detail in FIG. 5, comprises flexible and liquid-permeableflat greenery material (FB) with at least one first section (A1) adaptedto the front elevation of a structural cell (Z), with plant seeds andoptionally with plant growth promotion means, and with at least onesecond section (A2) adjoining or overlapping the first and connected toit by static friction or adhesion, for shearing force transmissionbetween stacked structural cells or for tensile force transmission tobracing elements and/or frontal structural elements. Such an element maybe manufactured preferably by having the greenery section provided forinstallation on the inside of a front element—in the case of in-situproduction on a road level—applied in the form of an easily flexible andliquid-permeable strip of flat material by scattering or sprayapplication of seed, optionally followed by application of a powderedmeans for water retention and moistening. This is to be followed byapplication of a vegetation mat and securing of the latter by adhesion.It is claimed for the invention that it is especially advantageous toinclude extension of a greenery element to the front element inprefabrication, as is specified in claim 25.

An essential design concept of one alternative process for manufactureof a structure as claimed for the invention is represented byintroducing support or bracing elements before introduction andcompaction of the earth or rock filling on the inside of a front latticeelement provided with flexible flat material and by suspending at leastone hook or eye section on the front lattice element, the flat materialbeing cut through. This results in especially efficient manufacture. Inparticular a manufacturing process as claimed for the invention may bedesigned, with reference to the illustration in FIG. 1, as follows:

(a) production of a foundation FU which extends below at least the frontground plan of the wall, as well as a subgrade extending rearward abovethe bracing depth provided, for construction of the lowest wall grade;

(b) application of a strip of flat tension bracing material to thesubgrade and introduction and optionally also temporary fastening of amore or less level, dimensionally stable frontal lattice element thesurface dimensions of which correspond to the stage height and the wallwidth or the width of an assigned wall section, in upright position andwith its bottom edge in a position corresponding to that of the front ofthe wall;

(c) spreading out and positioning and optionally fastening of the frontpart of the strip of flat tension bracing material on the front elementand optionally pulling the front edge of the flat material over thebottom edge of the front element;

(d) installation of support braces or support trestles between the frontpart of the section of flat material spread out on the bottom of thecell on one side and the inside of the front element covered with flatmaterial on the other, optionally accompanied by local perforation ofthe flat material and more precise alignment of the front element sothat definitive mounting support of the latter is ensured;

(e) preparation of a new subgrade by filling the structural cell withearth, rock, or bulk material and compaction up to the upper edge of thefront element, and then preparation of the next structural cell on topby following process steps (b) to (d), the lower edge of the new frontelement, after being positioned on the upper edge of the front elementbelow it, then being rammed into the filler, especially behind thisupper edge.

Other alternative embodiments of the invention, which may be createdespecially in addition to or in conjunction with other features of theinvention, are explained in what follows with reference to FIGS. 6 to13.

FIG. 6 shows a structure with stacked cells Z which contain a earth orrock filling EG and a cladding of flexible, liquid-permeable, andcorrosion-resistant flat material F. Inside a bare outer surfaceinclined toward the horizontal the cells Z are provided with adimensionally stable front grating element FG in the form of a separatecomponent extending at least approximately in one plane only. The frontgrating elements are also provided with tension bracings ZV in apredetermined frontal inclination and front position; these bracings arefastened on one side to the front grating elements and on the other inflexible tension bracings ZA extending into the earth or rock fillingEG. Every tension bracing comprises at least one first connecting strutAS1 fastened in the area of the upper edge of the particular frontgrating element and/or at least one second connecting strut AS2, whichis connected in the area of the lower edge of the front grating elementto at least one tension bracing ZA extending into the earth or stonefilling. Simple means are thus used to obtain reliable retention of thefront element against both foundation pressure acting more or lesshorizontally, tilting moments resulting from forces acting irregularlyand alternating during filling compaction, and traffic loads. After thestructure has been installed for some time such loads may beincreasingly taken over by roots penetrating the forward area of thecells.

As the examples in FIGS. 6 and 7 show, two strut or bracing elementsAS1, AS2, mounted at an angle to each other are provided in order toachieve highly stable, statically definite support. Optionally thetension bracings may advantageously be mounted by attachment directly onthe front grating element, even independently of strut elements. Inaddition, it may be advantageous to mount two strut or bracing elementspositioned at an angle to each other at least approximately in avertical plane.

As is also to be seen from FIG. 6, the upper strut or brace element AS1is suspended by positive locking on a cross rod Q of the front gratingelement by a hook or eye section H1, which in particular may also bed-shaped. On the other side the element AS1 is suspended by forcefitting on a brace ZA extending into the earth or stone filling, with asection H2 also hook shaped, in this instance simply bent at an angle.The same applies to the rear angular section H2 of the lower elementAS2, while a front hooked section H3 of the latter extends around thelower edge of the front grating element and thus supports the latteragainst foundation forces. FIG. 6 also shows an angular trestle SBinserted behind the front grating element FG to support the latterduring assembly. A section H4 of the trestle SB bent downward at anangle and extending into the cell Z positioned below it secures thelatter against displacement during compaction.

As a variation of FIG. 6, FIG. 7 shows a trestle SB1 in the form of atriangular rod structure mounted behind the front grating element FG. Inthis case as well the trestle performs the function of strut or bracingelement with a front hooked section H5 for support of the lower edge ofthe front grating element and with a rear hooked section H6 functioningas load bearing thrust bracing on the cell positioned below it.

FIG. 8 shows a development of a trestle SB2 which is provided forinsertion of a front grating element FG and thus can provide positionalstability for the front grating element. This front grating element isto be secured on the trestle prior to compaction, for example, by simplylooping a wire around the trestle. Angular hooked section H7 functionsas tensile and thrust bracing on the cell Z positioned below it.

FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the latter a simplified top view oriented at a rightangle to FIG. 9, show strut or bracing elements AS1, AS2 with twoangular hook-shaped or eye-shaped suspension sections H8, H9, bent atapproximately a right angle to each other around a rod shaft. It isadvantageous for these sections to be U-shaped or d-shaped. The uppersection H8 is in the form of a U-clamp bent crosswise to the pertinentrod shaft and consequently can provide tensile and compressive forcesfor positive-locking retention of the front grating element. Because ofits U-shape indicated in FIG. 9, extending in a plane at a right anglecorresponding to the frontal plane, the lower U-section H9 can fitaround a vertical rod section of the front grating element; this affordsadvantages in assembly.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show the front grating elements FG, with overlappingupper and lower edges, of two stacked cells Z. Additional horizontalstability is thereby obtained by especially simple means. The upperfront grating element is preferably provided with projecting lattice rodends which extend behind the front grating element in the area of theupper edge of the latter. Optionally the projecting rod ends extendthrough the flexible flat material present here. These front gratingelements may also have a curved or angular section in the area of theirupper and/or lower edge projecting preferably into an adjacent cell.

FIG. 13 illustrates a prefabricated, liquid- permeable and flexible,flat material element for the front of a cellular structure with earthor rock filling plantable with greenery, one which may be used toadvantage for structures of this type as claimed for the invention, andoptionally also for plantable structures of other types. There is shownhere a first section A1 adapted to the front elevation of a structuralcell Z provided with plant seeds and optionally with plant growthpromotion means and at least one section section A2 adjoining the firstsection, for transmission of thrust or tensile forces between stackedstructural cells or bracing elements. An element such as this permitsespecially efficient operations in fabrication of a cellular structure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cell structure, for use in a cellular structurecomprising layers of cells, in particular a supporting or soundinsulation structure, filled with earth, rocks, or bulk material,comprising: a tension bracing comprising at least a flat, flexible,liquid-permeable, and corrosion-resistant material bounding said celland extending into the interior of said cell, at least one dimensionallystable front element connected to said tension bracing, and a supportbracing comprising at least on bracing element connected to said atleast one front element and extending into the interior of said cell. 2.The cell structure according to claim 1, wherein at least one saidbracing element connects to said tension bracing within said cell by oneof frictional connection or positive locking.
 3. The cell structureaccording to claim 1, wherein said at least one brace element isrod-shaped with connection means for connecting to at least one of saidfront element or said tension bracing.
 4. The cell structure accordingto claim 3, wherein each one of said at least one front element has aplurality of rod-shaped bracing elements connected only to said frontelement and said tension bracing.
 5. The cell structure according toclaim 4, wherein said plurality of rod-shaped bracing elements arepositioned at various angles and azimuths with respect to said frontelement.
 6. The cell structure according to claim 5, wherein saidplurality of rod-shaped bracing elements diverge in direction from saidtension bracing to said front element.
 7. The cell structure accordingto claim 3, wherein said rod-shaped bracing element has one of a hook oran eye section connected by positive locking to said front element. 8.The cell structure according to claim 7, wherein said rod-shaped bracingelement has one of a hook or an eye section at each end of the rod forconnection to said front element and said tension bracing.
 9. The cellstructure according to claim 8, wherein said rod-shaped bracing elementis bent into a right angle.
 10. The cell structure according to claim 1,wherein said at least one brace element comprises at least tworod-shaped components positioned at an angle to each other, connectedproximate to each other on said front element, and connected to saidtension bracing.
 11. The cell structure according to claim 1, whereinsaid at least one brace element comprises at least two rod-shapedcomponents positioned at an angle to each other and connected proximateto each other on said front element, of which one rod-shaped componentis connected to said tension bracing and the other rod-shaped componentextends along said front element.
 12. The cell structure according toclaim 1, wherein said at least one brace element comprises at least tworod-shaped components positioned at an angle to each other, connectedproximate to each other on said tension bracing, and connected to saidfront element.
 13. The cell structure according to claim 1, wherein atleast one transmission element abuts said tension bracing to allow forpositive locking between said support bracing and said tension bracing.14. The cell structure according to claim 13, wherein said at least onetransmission element is a dimensionally stable latticework.
 15. The cellstructure according to claim 13, wherein each one of said at least onetransmission element is operable with a plurality of bracing elements.16. The cell structure according to claim 13, wherein said at least onetransmission element has a rectangular grating structure, and saidsupport bracing connects to said at least one transmission element at acorner of a rectangular grating opening of said rectangular gratingstructure.
 17. The cell structure according to claim 1, wherein saidsupport bracing comprises at least one bracing element connectedproximate an upper edge of said front element and at least on bracingelement connected proximate a lower edge of said front element.
 18. Thecell structure according to claim 1, further comprising a prefabricatedgreenery element covering a front surface of said cell, wherein saidprefabricated greenery element comprises a first section covering saidfront element and a second section overlapping a portion of said firstsection and said tension bracing.
 19. The cell structure according toclaim 1, wherein said front element comprises a prefabricated greeneryelement in the interior of said cell which comprises a first sectioncovering an inside surface of a front surface of said cell and a secondsection overlapping a portion of said first section and said tensionbracing.
 20. A cell structure, for use in a cellular structurecomprising layers of cells, in particular a supporting or soundinsulation structure, filled with earth, rocks, or bulk material,comprising: a tension bracing comprising at least a flat, flexible,liquid-permeable, and corrosion-resistant material bounding a bottomsurface of said cell, at least one dimensionally stable front elementconnected to said tension bracing by positive locking, and a supportbracing comprising at least one bracing element connected to said atleast one front element and extending into the interior of said cell.21. The cell structure according to claim 20, wherein said tensionbracing extends beyond said connection to said front element and saidfront element has projections extending through said tension bracing.22. The cell structure according to claim 21, wherein said projectionsconnect with a front element of an adjacent cell located below saidcell.
 23. The cell structure according to claim 20, wherein said frontelement of said cell overlaps a front element of an adjacent celllocated below said cell.
 24. The cell structure according to claim 20,wherein said front element has curved projections on at least one of anupper edge or lower edge projecting into the interior of an adjacentcell.
 25. The cell structure according to claim 20, wherein at least oneof said at least one bracing element comprises at least three rod-shapedcomponents, connected together to form a tripod.
 26. A method tomanufacture a cell for a cellular structure comprising layers of cells,in particular a supporting or sound insulation structure, filled withearth, rocks, or bulk material, including: producing a foundationextending below a location for a cell, applying a flat, flexible,liquid-permeable, and corrosion-resistant material to said foundation,placing a dimensionally stable front element in an upright position in alocation corresponding to a front of said cell, connecting said tensionbracing and said front element, installing support braces between saidtension bracing and said front element, filling and compacting said cellwith earth, rock, or bulk material to a level corresponding to an upperedge of said front element, repeating steps for subsequent cells abovesaid cell.
 27. The method according to claim 26, including placing alower edge of said front element behind an upper edge of a front elementof a cell located below said cell.
 28. The method according to claim 26,including using a prefabricated greenery element as said front element.29. The method according to claim 26, including: placing a flexible andliquid-permeable material on said front element, applying seed to saidflexible and liquid-permeable material, applying a powdered means forwater retention and moistening to said flexible and liquid-permeablematerial, applying a vegetation mat over said flexible andliquid-permeable material, and securing said vegetation mat to saidfront element.